A midcentury recreational development in Arkansas
Cherokee Village began as a planned recreational development settled along the forested hills of the Ozark Mountains. The community is secluded and offers a vacation-like experience with private amenities. "If you're the type of person who needs high-end shopping destinations, this is not the place to come. It's laid back. People like to watch the deer, birds and that sort of thing," says Betty Stokes, a resident and the Director of the Welcome Center. “John Cooper built the community in the 1950s. They advertised throughout the United States. Now we have lakes and golf courses.” Although many see Cherokee Village as a retirement community, the area also attracts families and transplants from more populated states. "Some people come here from around the area. But our biggest groups are from California, Florida and Texas; they can't believe how [comparatively] inexpensive it is to move here," Stokes says.
Home to private lakes, parks and golf courses
The Suburban Improvement District manages the community's many amenities, which are exclusive to residents and their guests. With seven lakes and two marinas, the area presents ample opportunities for waterside sports like fishing and sailing. All boaters are required to have a current Cherokee Village authorization sticker on their vessels. The Gitche Gumee Beach, on Lake Sequoyah, is a popular swimming area with a small sandy coast. Beyond the water are recreational facilities, including the Omaha Recreation Center and Thunderbird Recreation Center. Residents venture to either location for the play areas and outdoor swimming pools. Locals enjoy several small neighborhood parks with playgrounds and park benches. The city's golfing destinations offer 18-hole championship courses. Hunters can visit Highland or Hardy to access the public Harold E. Alexander Spring River Wildlife Management Area, off Highway 62. The sprawling grounds provide seasonal game, including deer, bear, quail and turkey.
The area has cabins, ranch styles and split-level homes
The roadways in Cherokee Village are lined with oaks, sycamore trees and native woody vines. Some paths leading to homes are unpaved and covered in sandy-colored gravel. "There are still some of the original homes from the 1950s. But back then, you only had three styles to choose from. Now you have homes of all different ranges," Stokes says. The community has cottages, ranch styles and wooden cabins. Split-level homes are also perched along the hilly landscape. Many homes include basements, outside decks and patios. Lower-priced homes are typically in the eastern half of the community. Some residents pay additional fees if their property is within a Suburban Improvement District or homeowners association. Townhouses and condos cost around $70,000 to $225,000, depending on the build year. Move-in-ready houses that are farther inland can range in price between $75,000 and $385,000. Waterfront properties can vary in size; these homes typically range from $140,000 to $475,000.
The area has a history of flash floods, especially near the river and lakes.
Pies and pet parades
Cherokee Village hosts multiple gatherings, but two are more popular than the others. "We have a big event that's always the last Saturday in April, called the Pie Festival. It's so fun!" Stokes says. "We have professional bakers and local bakers who enter. They submit two pies; One is judged, the other is auctioned. People can get samples of the pie and vote for their favorite. And there's music all day." She also says there is a pet parade with categories like best costume, biggest bark and waggiest tail. Every 4th of July, the sky over Lake Thunderbird becomes illuminated with a large fireworks display. Locals come from nearby towns to enjoy the annual event.
Limited retail options in Cherokee Village
There aren't many businesses in Cherokee Village, aside from Dollar General and a few service providers. Harps Food Stores is off U.S. Highway 62. "The biggest thing here is a Walmart Supercenter, and that's about 8 miles away. We have a strip mall and a small town center," Stokes says. Most will visit Hardy or Ash Flat for more retail options, but the community has a few restaurants. "Within our village, we have a little place called Carol's Lakeview Restaurant. It's down-home cooking off Lake Thunderbird," Stokes says. "And we just opened up a new place, The Falls Pizza Company, next to City Hall."
Visiting schools in Hardy
The Highland School District serves families and offers three academic locations in Hardy. The district earns a B rating from Niche. Cherokee Elementary has a B rating, while Highland Middle receives a B-plus. Teens can graduate from the B-rated Highland High.
Getting around on Highway 62 and Cherokee Road
Cherokee Village is a car-dependent area. Most locals travel along U.S. Highway 62, also called Highway 412, and Cherokee Road. For emergency room services, locals can visit the White River Health. Hardy and Ash Flat are about 5 miles away. Commuters are about a 20-mile drive from the center of town to the Arkansas-Missouri border.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
